Victorian Family Violence Memorial: A Landmark of Reflection and Healing by Muir + Openwork

The Victorian Family Violence Memorial, designed by Muir + Openwork, stands as a poignant symbol of remembrance and hope, located next to the Parliament Precinct in East Melbourne with sweeping views of Fitzroy Gardens. This memorial, which honors the victims of family violence, integrates deeply with its natural surroundings while subtly transforming the site’s topography to foster reflection, procession, and collective gathering.

A Thoughtful Design: Connecting People, Landscape, and Memory

The design of the Victorian Family Violence Memorial revolves around five elemental design gestures that shape the visitor’s experience without overwhelming the inherent character of the site. These gestures, meant to alter how people behave on the site, include features like the memorial’s unique folding arcs, an elevated platform, and a wall of thin black plate steel. These structural elements evoke both fragility and strength, serving as metaphors for the nature of family violence itself.

A large fold in the land marks the central gathering area, a platform raised above the ground to offer sweeping views of Fitzroy Gardens. The memorial wall, rising from the landscape, anchors the site and provides an intimate space for contemplation and tribute. Below the memorial wall lies a room defined by seating under a stately elm tree, designed to orient the body toward both the wall and the expansive view beyond. A new concrete decking pathway, gently deviating from the existing arced path, guides visitors into the memorial’s reflective space, enhancing their journey through a moment of procession.

The Healing Power of Color and Nature

One of the most striking features of the memorial is its use of purple planting as a direct symbol of the cause it represents—the elimination of family violence and violence against women. The color purple, synonymous with the purple ribbon movement, is embodied in an array of plant species strategically planted throughout the memorial. These species, which bloom with purple flowers at different times of the year, offer a dynamic and evolving visual calendar. This choice not only signifies the ongoing struggle against violence but also underscores the memorial’s capacity for renewal and resilience, mirroring the passage of time and change.

Indigenous Cultural Integration: Honoring the Land and Community

The Victorian Family Violence Memorial also features a significant Indigenous cultural component. The phrase “Ngarru biik marrna Guliny dillbadin. Lore of the land keeps people safe,” drawn from conversations with the Traditional Custodians of the land—the Wurundjeri, Boon Wurrung, and Bunurong peoples—is a key refrain of the memorial. Translated into Woi Wurrung, this statement is prominently displayed on the lip of the smoking vessel, which serves as both a functional and symbolic part of the memorial. This vessel will facilitate traditional Indigenous cultural practices and remind visitors of their responsibility to care for the land and community.

A Memorial with a Living Legacy

The design of the memorial was a collaborative effort, evolving through consultation with various organizations, including the City of Melbourne, the Department of Premier and Cabinet Office for Women, and the Victims and Survivors Advisory Committee. In a powerful act of cultural and spiritual significance, members of the Victims and Survivors Advisory Council participated in a smoking ceremony on-site prior to construction. The ashes from this ceremony were carefully incorporated into the concrete mix for the precast decking, grounding the memorial in both cleansing and well-being, further reinforcing the memorial’s deep connection to healing.

A Civic Landmark of Reflection and Action

The Victorian Family Violence Memorial stands as a transformative space—a memorial not just of loss, but of resilience, healing, and hope for a future free of violence. Its design respects both the physical and emotional landscapes it inhabits, ensuring that it remains a living, evolving symbol for years to come. Whether through its architectural elements, its use of color, or its cultural inclusivity, the memorial is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, reflection, and collective action in the fight against family violence.

All Photographs are works of Peter Bennetts